07.17.13
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. welcomed Chris Kelly as general manager, Canada. He will oversee all aspects of the Yankee Candle business in Canada. The company currently operates six company-owned retail stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and also sells products at select independent gift and specialty stores.
As part of planned global expansion efforts, this new business unit will focus on building out the gift and specialty business as well as invest in building the retail store base to over 50 stores in the next five years across the country.
Prior to joining Yankee Candle, Kelly was part of the executive team at Hallmark Canada, where he most recently served as the vice president of consumer solutions & brand experience. Previously, he served as general manager, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and director of marketing & sales operations, also with Hallmark Canada. Kelly has also held sales & marketing leadership positions focused on the Canadian marketplace with companies such Timberland and Champion Athletic Apparel.
As part of planned global expansion efforts, this new business unit will focus on building out the gift and specialty business as well as invest in building the retail store base to over 50 stores in the next five years across the country.
Prior to joining Yankee Candle, Kelly was part of the executive team at Hallmark Canada, where he most recently served as the vice president of consumer solutions & brand experience. Previously, he served as general manager, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and director of marketing & sales operations, also with Hallmark Canada. Kelly has also held sales & marketing leadership positions focused on the Canadian marketplace with companies such Timberland and Champion Athletic Apparel.